In a significant diplomatic move, two US Congress members, Joe Wilson and August Pfluger, have urged Secretary of State Marco Rubio to engage with Pakistan’s military leadership for the release of former Prime Minister Imran Khan. According to reports, the lawmakers penned a joint letter to Rubio on February 25, arguing that Imran Khan’s imprisonment is based on politically motivated charges.
Concerns Over Democracy in Pakistan
The Congress members expressed concern over Imran Khan’s removal via a no-confidence motion in 2022, equating it to a suspension of democracy in Pakistan. They believe this event has significantly strained US-Pakistan relations.
In a statement on social media platform X (formerly Twitter), Joe Wilson stated that he was pleased to collaborate with Republican Study Committee Chairman August Pfluger in urging Secretary Rubio to work towards Imran Khan’s release and the restoration of democracy in Pakistan.
Wilson further highlighted that US-Pakistan relations thrive on principles of freedom, and maintaining democratic values is essential for strengthening diplomatic ties.
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Political Parallels and Call for Action
As a member of the House Foreign Affairs and Armed Services Committees and a close ally of former President Donald Trump, Joe Wilson co-signed the letter alongside August Pfluger, who heads the Republican Study Committee.
Both Congressmen voiced concerns over Imran Khan’s imprisonment and its potential impact on US-Pakistan relations. The letter emphasized Imran Khan’s widespread popularity in Pakistan and suggested that his release could signal a new chapter in US-Pakistan diplomatic ties.
Drawing a parallel between Imran Khan and Donald Trump, the lawmakers claimed that both leaders have been targets of judicial overreach.
A Push for Democracy and Human Rights
The letter urged Secretary Rubio to work with Pakistan’s leadership to:
- Restore democracy
- Uphold human rights
- Ensure the rule of law
- Support press freedom
- Protect freedom of assembly and expression
They insisted that Imran Khan should be treated fairly, without facing imprisonment for his political stance.
Strengthening US-Pakistan Relations
Previously, Joe Wilson had publicly called for Imran Khan’s release, sharing a copy of the letter on X. He expressed hope that mutual respect for freedom could strengthen US-Pakistan relations.
The letter concluded by emphasizing that US-Pakistan diplomatic ties are closely linked to Imran Khan’s release and urged Secretary Rubio to take decisive action on the matter.
